The Importance of Water Wells to North Carolina’s Poultry Farmers

More than ever before, the quality of drinking water plays a massively important role in the healthy operation of poultry farms and the production of broiler chickens, turkeys and table eggs. There are more than 25,000 poultry farms in the United States, and more constantly being developed, which means there is a tremendous need for high-quality water. Considering how many of these farms are situated in rural locations away from municipal water infrastructure, the vast majority of the water to these farms will be provided through wells.

We have seen so many farms that have had to spend a significant amount of money in emergency repairs to their wells and pumping equipment just to avoid losing hundreds or thousands of birds. These birds are the farmers’ livelihood, which means high-quality water needs to be a priority to keep them in good health.

Here’s some information about how water well services in Monroe, NC can pay dividends for poultry farmers in the state.

Proper hydration

Water is the single biggest resource needed for poultry production. This is mostly because birds produce very little saliva, so they require a lot of water to soften their feed and improve their digestion. A poultry farmer who decides to skimp on either quantity or quality when it comes to water could cause some significant mistakes, including health problems in the chicken or a lack of proper feeding.

Water management processes for poultry farming differ in some ways from standard residential and commercial applications. After the water leaves its source, it is likely to be subject to various levels of flow. It could also be sent to storage for some time, get warmed up or contain added substances such as vitamins, probiotics or organic acids. Because this water is handled differently at different stages, there’s an increased risk of microbial contamination.

This risk necessitates a greater emphasis on water sanitation. Thus, many poultry farmers pair their water wells with high-quality sanitizers to ensure the birds get the best water possible, no matter where in the cycle of that water it’s being extracted. In addition, establishing rigorous cleaning programs helps farmers keep their water systems clean even when there are no birds present.

Limiting contaminants

Poultry farmers across the United States are affected by the EPA’s standards for maximum mineral contaminant levels in water. Limiting these contaminants is highly beneficial for farmers, as reducing calcium and magnesium in the water can prevent the buildup of scale that can, over time, reduce the flow and pipe volume in the farm’s water systems.

Other types of minerals, such as sulfur, iron and manganese, are actually easier for the birds to tolerate. However, they tend to attract pathogens such as pseudomonas and E.coli. So while those minerals are not harmful to the birds themselves, eliminating them can help prevent the formation of harmful contaminants.

For more information about how water quality affects poultry farmers in North Carolina and the importance of maintaining your water well for agricultural purposes, contact Love Well & Pump Supply, LLC about water well services in Monroe, NC.

Categorised in: Water Well Services

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